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SPECIAL NEEDS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Center for Special Needs, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia – offers a wide range of programs and services for people with special needs and their families. 1-866-532-7669
Email: info@jfcsphilly.org

Connect – state organization that puts families in touch with organizations that can help – Early Intervention Help Line 800-692-7288

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) – a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities. The Philadelphia Building 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 500 Philadelphia, PA 19107–4798 215-238-8070 (Voice)

Kinsights – a free online forum connecting parents of children with complex and rare conditions to each other and to resources.

Parent to Parent – Linking families of children or adults with disabilities or special needs with each other so that they can share experiences, offer practical information and/or support. 888-727-2706

Public Citizens for Children and Youth – a comprehensive site that provides a series of resource guides to help find behavioral health care providers for children through adolescence in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties and Pottstown). Also includes a series of questions to determine if a child has a special need.

The Special Kids Network – helps parents find resources for their special needs children and provides technical assistance to help groups develop, expand, and maintain programs and support systems that serve children with special needs. 800-986-4550; 877-986-5432

Speechville – useful information if your child has difficulty with speech, language, communication, or is a late talker.

Special Kids – an online listing from Metro Kids with numerous resources throughout the Philadelphia region addressing a variety of special needs.

Surviving and Thriving– a resource for parents and family members struggling with the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
114 Forrest Avenue, Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072. 215-839-1194

TESTING

COUNTY-BASED TESTING AND INTERVENTION

In Bucks County:From Birth to 3 years of age
Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation 215-442-0760
From 3 to 5 years of age:Bucks County Intermediate Unit, 1-800-770-4822, extension 1716

In Montgomery County:From Birth to 3 years of age:
Contact Human Services 610-277-7176 who will contact The Arc Alliance 610-265-4700. All testing is done in the home.
From 3 to 5 years of age:
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit: 610-539-8550, 610-755-9400

ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING TESTING AND INTERVENTIONCenter for Autism Research (CAR) is a multi-disciplinary center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia that coordinates and supports research into the causes of autism and the most effective treatments. Many of the studies at CAR include comprehensive developmental evaluations with written feedback reports from licensed clinicians.

Central Behavioral Health – a non-profit organization offering extended assessments for individuals under the age of 21 with severe behavioral, social and emotional difficulties.
610-277-4600

Autism Link – an online support and information about available services for children on the autism spectrum.

Autism Society of America – the nation’s leading grass roots autism organization, increases public awareness of issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocates for appropriate services, and provides the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
1-800-3-Autism or 301-657-0881 Click here to find a local chapter.

Center for Autism Research (CAR) – a multi-disciplinary center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia that coordinates and supports research into the causes of autism and the most effective treatments. Many of the studies at CAR include comprehensive developmental evaluations with written feedback reports from licensed clinicians. Additionally, CAR hosts free and low cost educational seminars for parents and professionals throughout the year.

Potential Inc. – a non-profit organization providing high quality interventions based upon current research for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. 215-579-0670

Surviving and Thriving – a resource for parents and family members struggling with the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum. Include groups for parents and grandparents; individual, couples and family therapy; and coaching.
114 Forrest Avenue, Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072. 215-839-1194

CEREBRAL PALSYCerebral Palsy Guidance – a free resource helping parents to learn about treatment options and ways manage the disorder so their child with a cerebral palsy diagnosis can live a productive life.

National Center for Learning Disabilities – works to ensure that the nation’s 15 million children, adolescents, & adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work, and life.

PA Education for All Coalition – PEAC works to promote education that includes all children by providing individual technical assistance, advocacy, and supports to families, including a parents as mentors group.

Simple Words Books – created to help children with dyslexia have a love of books, this website includes free resources parents can use to work with their children.

MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMSThe Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP) – a nonprofit citizen’s organization that develops, supports and promotes innovative education and advocacy programs. MHASP serves adults, children and family members through their programs and advocacy efforts.
267-507-3843 or 1-800-688-4226

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – offers an array of peer education and training programs, initiatives and services for individuals, family members, health care providers and the general public. They also have support groups through the local chapters. Click here to find the one closest to you.

Public Citizens for Children and Youth – a comprehensive site that provides a series of resource guides to help find behavioral health care providers for children through adolescence in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties and Pottstown). Also includes a series of questions to determine if a child has a special need.

DIRECT SERVICES AND THERAPIES

Kardon Institute – services individuals from birth through older adulthood with a wide range of special needs at their headquarters in Northeast Philadelphia, branches of Settlement Music School and other locations throughout the Philadelphia area. 215-637-2077

Reins of Life – a non-profit organization located in Chester County, PA, provides therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with diverse types of special challenges.
113 Crestwood Road, Landenberg, PA 19350; Phone: 610-274-3300 Mobile: 610-724-5305

Outpatient Therapy Services at St. Christopher’s – offers physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathologists, as well as sports rehabilitation and conditioning for children. Physician referral and prescription required. 500 Old York Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046; 215-884-1128

Theraplay – provides pediatric therapy services in a play environment that will enable a child to maximize their potential. Wide range of therapy services offered in home and at their 4 locations in Delaware Valley 215-293-8882

Learning DisabilitiesServicesThe Center School– Private school for children with reading and language developmental difficulties 215-657-2200

The Bucks County LIFE Program – a countywide program that serves Bucks County families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with emotional, behavioral, social and/or learning issues. As a team of both experienced parents and professionals, we work closely with families to offer invaluable support as well as provide information and referral resources. 888-442-1590

Mental Health and Behavior Problem SupportAccess Services – a full range of support services for individuals with special needs in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Because I Love You – a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents with troubled children of any age. A parent to parent support group for parents who are challenged by their child’s behaviors. Website includes many helpful articles and links to find local chapters.

The Bucks County LIFE Program – a countywide program that serves Bucks County families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with emotional, behavioral, social and/or learning issues. As a team of both experienced parents and professionals, we work closely with families to offer invaluable support as well as provide information and referral resources. 888.442.1590

Center for Families and Relationships – offers a educational and therapeutic programs including art therapy, play therapy and anger management. Located in Northeast Philadelphia. 215-537-5367

Central Montgomery County Mental Health – the oldest private, not-for-profit, multi-service community mental health center in Montgomery County, PA, provide services to individuals and families through specialized programs, covering a full spectrum of behavioral health services. Programs are available for all age groups, from pre-schoolers to adolescents to seniors.
610-277-4600

Child and Family Focus – provides a wide range of innovative services to families and children who have emotional and behavioral challenges in Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Delaware Counties, PA. 215- 957-9771

Children’s Crisis Support Program (CCSP) – a free 24 hour hotline providing community based crisis intervention for children experiencing a psychiatric, behavioral or family conflict.
Main office- 215-540-2150; 800-793-2150; Helpline – 1-888-435-7414

CORA Services – a private, not-for-profit organization located in Philadelphia, PA, CORA assists children, youth and families experiencing emotional, academic and social challenges which impede their development and productivity. Services include individual, group and family counseling, educational services, referral assistance, community drug and alcohol prevention educational and treatment, GED and job training, speech services, and psychological services. After school programs and adult enrichment programs are also available. Additionally, CORA Services operates a licensed pre-school and child care program.
8540 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111, 215-342-7660

Indian Creek Foundation’s Community Based Services – provides long and short term supports to children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities living with their families and in the community. Services include Respite, Lifesharing and Home Based Waiver.
420 Cowpath Road, Souderton, PA 18964, 267-203-1500

Parents Involved Network of Pennsylvania– a peer to peer program that assists parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges. PIN provides information, support, referrals, and advocacy; assists parents/caregivers to acquire services from all state, local or private child-serving systems. 215-751-1800

Potential Inc. – a non-profit organization providing high quality interventions based upon current research for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. 215-579-0670

Theraplay – provides pediatric therapy services in a play environment that will enable a child to maximize their potential. Wide range of therapy services offered in home and at their 4 locations in Delaware Valley. Also offers a “Let’s Be Friends” groups enhance social competence and confidence. 215-293-8882

Summer ProgramsQuest Camps – a summer camp for children with mild to moderate behavioral, emotional and social needs, providing individual assessment and treatment plans, behavioral intervention, group therapy, neurocognitive skill building and parental involvement/intervention.

Wyncote Academy – an extended school year summer program for children entering 5th through 12th grades. 215-885-2000

The ARC Alliance Advocacy Services – assists families in their efforts to determine and obtain the supports, services and placement their children need to make meaningful educational progress. 610-265-4700

Education Law Center – non-profit legal advocacy and educational organization dedicated to ensuring that all of PA’s children have access to a quality public education. 215-238-6970

Law Offices of Kenneth S. Cooper -provides free legal services for parents in around the Delaware Valley, PA . Services include consultation, obtaining and reviewing school records, representation at hearings and meetings, obtaining evaluations and ensuring appropriate education. 610-608-0070

Support Groups

The Arc Alliance – run a variety of support groups and programs for families with special needs children
1010 West Ninth Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406; 610-265-4700

Creative Health Services – Program for Siblings of Special Needs Children SibShops
Recreational program for siblings of children with disabilities.
360 King Street, Pottstown, PA; 610-326-2767

Kinsights – a free online forum connecting parents of children with complex and rare conditions to each other and to resources.

Southampton Psychiatric Associates – offers support groups for children, teens, and parents dealing with many challenging situations such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and social skills. They also offer middle school group to help kids navigate their social world as well as mindfulness classes. Many other groups as held as the need/demand arises.
882 Jacksonville Road, Suite 205, Ivyland, PA 18974; 215-355-2011

Theraplay – offers a parent-infant group designed to encourage 4-10 month-olds’ development by teaching how to facilitate age-appropriate skills and further development in gross motor and speech development. 215-293-8882

BEREAVEMENT AND TRAUMA SUPPORT

American Psychological Association – helping children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242, 202-336-5500; 800-374-2721

The Center for Loss and Bereavement – a non-profit organization that provides professional counseling, support services and education within an environment of support and education for those individuals, couples and families dealing with loss and bereavement. 610-222-4114

Camp Erin – a weekend overnight camp for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life, such as a parent, sibling, other family member or friend. The camp combines traditional, fun, high-energy camp activities with grief education and support.

National Association of School Psychologists – tips for parents and teachers about how to help children deal with stress caused when there is a national tragedy.
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270; 866-331-NASP

Parents Anonymous – the oldest child abuse prevention and treatment program. Help line support for parents. 1-855- 4A PARENT

Victim’s Services of Montgomery County – provides free and confidential comprehensive support services to crime victims, their families and significant others.
24 hour Crisis Hotline 888-521-0983Sexual Violence Hotline 610-277-5200
Includes a support group for teens who have been sexually assaulted/abused.

Home Visiting Programs – The Montgomery County Health Department offers two nurse-home visiting programs to pregnant women, new mothers, new fathers and their babies who might want a little extra help. They are the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program and the Maternal-Child Health Home Visiting program. Both programs are for Montgomery County residents and are FREE. Families develop confidence and skills for parenting and economic self-sufficiency. 610-278-5117

Insure Kids Now! – the federal government & the states together offer health insurance coverage for children through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Maternity Care Coalition – assists parents in Southeastern PA from pregnancy through children reaching age 3 with in-home visits, cribs, access to resources, and support, including breastfeeding and parenting.

Children’s Crisis Support Program – Montgomery County Hotline – Community-based crisis intervention for children experiencing psychiatric, behavioral or family conflict. Telephone counseling and mobile crisis intervention available 24 hours a day.888-435-7414

Darkness to Light – helpline if you suspect sexual abuse or if you are the survivor of sexual abuse. They will connect you to local resources. 1-866-FORLIGHT (1-866-364-5444)

Rape-crisis Hotline – Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families888-521-0983

Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline– a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Suicide.org – includes suicide prevention support hotlines as well as details of suicidal ideation or reactions of victims of various illnesses and violence.